Student Education and Research Fellowship (SERF) Program 

Graduate and medical students will work independently on their research topics under the advisement and direction of preceptors and research staff. Additionally, SERF administrators will provide additional support for students.

Opportunities will be available for students to mentor undergraduate students through a six-week program designed for undergraduate students interested in research.

Review criteria for selection of student participants include strong academic records, personal achievement and integrity, research skills and experience, and/or recommendations from scholastic advisers.

• First- and second-year medical students enrolled in an accredited program (DO or MD) are eligible to apply to this program. These students will be expected to work independently and should expect to spend approximately 40 hours per week committed to the research project.
• Graduate students: Students who are enrolled in NP, PharmD, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or PA programs and are in good academic standing are invited to apply to the program. These students may be expected to spend approximately 40 hours on their research projects.
  
  

Each student is expected to attend a series of meetings, held to provide research fellows with additional information on the preparation of abstracts, manuscripts and data analysis. The meetings serve as a forum to present preliminary data and to become acquainted with other students and mentors. In order to receive a completion certificate, students must prepare and submit a project abstract, poster and a research paper evaluated and approved by his/her preceptor.

Researchers in clinical or academic settings are welcome to participate as preceptors in this program. All researchers are expected to submit a study proposal form for their study to be considered for the program to SERF via email by Jan 15, 2025. Upon acceptance into the program, the preceptor will complete CITI training and seek approval for the proposal of the study by the Institutional Review Board by May 1.

To apply for the Student Education and Research Fellowship Program, applicants must submit a 1/2 page letter of intent to IMPRS at IMPRS@iu.edu by December 31, 2024 stating your research interest and desire to be at the Fort Wayne campus. Applicants must also submit the RedCAP application for IMPRS by January 15, 2025. One letter of recommendation is required.

For more details about the Student Research Fellowship Program, call the IU School of Medicine—Fort Wayne office at 260-257-6831. Students will be notified of acceptance into the program by mid-March.